Images courtesy Neal Peterson
Roaming is an activity Neal Peterson embraces wholeheartedly. Possessed of many passions—Buddhist and Hindu art, photography, maps, graphic design, and, of course, travel—Peterson combines them all in his series “Urban Mandalas,” photo collages that encapsulate in dynamic pattern and color the essence of cities around the globe.
When Moooi Carpets, in The Netherlands, noticed his work, they approached him about transforming the mandala-shaped collages into circular, cotton rugs. Moooi showcased the rugs during Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy, in 2017. About the rugs, Moooi enthused, “These kaleidoscopic microcosms represent the oneness and connectivity of a city and its people.”
Now Peterson, who teaches design, typography, and experimental mapping at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, is teaming with Moooi NYC to present selected photo collages from the Urban Mandala series at ROAM Furniture and Lighting in Minneapolis. The free event is Thursday, January 31, from 5-7 p.m.
See the cities fascinating Peterson these days and how the fantastical patterning, detailing, and intricacies of the collages resonate with those urban areas as you know them. Peterson will be on hand to describe his process, converse about his interests, and discuss the ways in which these singular floor coverings convey community connection—no matter where in the world you may be.